NALC's latest event emphasises the importance of emergency planning
We held an online event on mastering emergency planning on 23 October 2024 with a panel featuring Nick Aldworth, director of Risk to Resolution Ltd, Jane Biscombe, town clerk of Weymouth Town Council, and Richard Hood, senior project officer of Communities Prepared, who gave their insights into proactive emergency planning and recovery advocacy.
Nick Aldworth emphasised the importance of proactive emergency planning, particularly in preparing for terrorist events. He highlighted Martyn's Law, which mandates that those in charge of publicly accessible locations must take reasonable steps to protect the public from terrorist threats. It includes implementing effective preparation and response measures to minimise risks and ensure safety.
Jane Biscombe focused on clear communication and thorough documentation in emergency planning for parish and town councils. She stressed that well-documented processes and effective communication help avoid unnecessary community concerns. She also emphasised that local knowledge is crucial when responding to emergencies. Her key takeaways were the importance of expecting the unexpected, planning for impacts rather than specific emergencies, and focusing on outcomes.
Richard Hood spoke about the importance of community involvement in emergency preparedness. He highlighted the need to understand local organisations' and individuals' fears, interests, and capabilities. Building connections between the community and local authorities is key, and recognising and leveraging the community's skills can significantly strengthen emergency response efforts.
